Soualiga Newsday Top Storieshttps://soualiganewsday.com
Thu, 24 May 2018 13:49:04 -0400en-gbDelegation leaves for IPKO in the Netherlands headed by Sarahhttps://soualiganewsday.com/local/soualiga-newsday-top-stories/item/19844-delegation-leaves-for-ipko-in-the-netherlands-headed-by-sarah.html
https://soualiganewsday.com/local/soualiga-newsday-top-stories/item/19844-delegation-leaves-for-ipko-in-the-netherlands-headed-by-sarah.html

SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) - From May 29 – June 1, 2018 delegations from the Parliaments of the Netherlands, Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten will be meeting in The Hague, Netherlands for the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultations (IPKO).

The four parliamentary delegations will be discussing a number of issues such as the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) in the different countries of the Kingdom, voting right and elections within the Kingdom, current state of affairs of the Dispute regulation, the situation in Venezuela and its effects for the Kingdom and human rights in the justice chain.

The Sint Maarten delegation will be giving a presentation on the state of affairs of the Parliament of Sint Maarten. The presentation will also focus briefly on the progress of the recovery and rebuilding process since the passing of hurricane Irma.

The program includes a work visit to a waste management facility. This work visit was requested by the Sint Maarten delegation to acquire recommendations and best practices on waste management that can be used in Sint Maarten.

The delegation of Sint Maarten has been preparing for the last few weeks for its participation in these meetings. The Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Interparliamentary Relations met on several occasions to discuss the topics and to establish the position of the Sint Maarten delegation on the several topics.

The Interparliamentary consultations will conclude on Friday June 1, 2018 with the adoption and signing of the Agreement List and a joint press conference of the four delegations.

The deliberations between the delegations are open to the public and can be followed directly through a live stream on the website of the First Chamber and the Second Chamber, depending on the location of the meeting for that day, www.eerstekamer.nl or www.tweedekamer.nl.

Prior to the start of the Interparliamentary consultations, on May 28, 2018, the delegation of Sint Maarten will also be participating in the Tripartite meeting along with delegations from sister islands of Curaçao and Aruba.

Among the topics to be discussed are the Dispute regulations, relationship between the countries of the Kingdom, Constitutional Court and cooperation in the areas of health care and education etc.

The goal of the meeting is to prepare for several topics that will be tabled during the Interparliamentary consultation as well as discuss topics of mutual interest.

The Sint Maarten delegation partaking in the IPKO and Tripartite meetings will consist of the following members: Mrs. Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, President of Parliament, Delegation leader;

SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) – Vromi-Minister Miklos Chomain Giterson signed the continuation of a service level agreement recently with the Nature Foundation appointing the organization as the Ecosystem and Environmental Authority of the Country.

Under the agreement, the Nature Foundation continues to act as the management and scientific authority for marine and terrestrial ecosystems in St. Maarten while at the same time maintaining its independence as a conservation NGO based on the island.

Minister Giterson and Jan Beaujon, chairman of the board of the Nature Foundation, signed the agreement during a brief ceremony at the Government Administration Building.

The national ordinance for nature management and protection requires that the Council of Ministers establishes a nature plan and appoints a management and scientific authority. That role has been bestowed on the Nature Foundation since 2014, its manager Tadzio Bervoets and his staff.

The Nature Foundation is now authorized “to make and execute all decisions pertaining to the management of the marine and terrestrial ecosystems, species management and specifically introduced species,” according to the SLA.

Part of the responsibilities include the management of the marine park, dive moorings, fisheries management and the protection of endangered species. Other tasks include sea turtle nesting and beach monitoring and reporting, animal control and surveillance and monitoring.

The foundation will also assist or lead research for government and advise on request, facilitate the police and harbor authorities, and function as liaison with relevant government departments. Emergency response to for instance oil spills and disasters are also a part of the deal.

Nature Foundation manager Bervoets said that, since he started in his job eight years ago, “it has not always been an easy journey. A few times we almost had to close our doors because of the financial situation.”

Nature Foundation chairman Jan Beaujon noted that the organization has come a long way. “We have gone through twenty years of ups and down to become what we are today. The staff of the foundation is able to take care of a lot of things for the government and to manage whatever we have on our island for years to come.”

SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour (Ministry VSA), in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, have been undertaking several actions to ensure that local job seekers are included in job opportunities that arise as a result of the current reconstruction process of the country.

The Division Labor Affairs & Social Services has conducted a National Registration Drive to assess the immediate availability of skilled persons on the local labor market. The registration drive yielded mixed results, but by and large provided evidence that there are insufficient skilled laborers on the local labor market to address the demand for skills in several industries, primarily, the Construction industry.

“There are several programs in place that offer a combination of job-training and paid employment as part of the reconstruction projects within several industries institutions locally. Job seekers have the opportunity to learn new skills and join new trades. We have been working together with institutions such as the White & Yellow Cross, NIPA and have also sent several persons abroad to Trinidad for training.

“However, this is not enough as larger reconstruction projects requiring for example, skilled construction personnel, electricians etc. The local market alone may not be able to meet these needs. The Ministry encourages these employers to host registration drives and training programs, in order to make the extra effort to employ local laborers. We want to ensure that all is done to include our people.” – Minister Emil Lee

The ability to source qualified and certified laborers for the rebuilding of our major infrastructure is key to our recovery as a Nation. To this effect, the Ministry, under the auspices of the Division Labor Affairs & Social Services, has invoked of the National decree containing general measures on the employment of foreign labor AB 2013 nr 73 article 7 paragraph 3. This allows the Ministry to approve an employment permit on a one-time basis for projects related to the reconstruction.

“The idea is that we would be able to give one time permits for people that are participating on a project basis for the reconstruction of a particular project. This measure would not only be considered for construction workers but other trades as well. We believe that we are striking a balance between stimulating the recovery process while protecting our local labor market. We do not expect that persons will remain in the country once the project is complete, it is important that we protect our local labour market.” – Minister Emil Lee

This is being done on an exceptional term only, and the respective applicant (employer/business owner) must comply with the following requirements in order to facilitate the processing of the permits under these conditions:

Valid labor registration

Registration of the business on www.jobopportunity.sx (note that based on the position outline, the Ministry may opt to waive the 5 weeks hold for positions that are directly required within the reconstruction process)

Completed Employment permit application form & overview of education

Payment of all taxes of the business

Payment of the applicable processing fee to the Government of Sint Maarten

Statement of guarantee of housing for the non-nationals signed off by the registered owner of the business

Copies passports of non-nationals tied to the project

Copies of flight itinerary

Copies of certificates, diplomas & qualifications

Certified English translations of the above point 9, by a legally registered translator, if document not in English

The credentials of the legally registered translator

Complete Project plans, mentioning duration of the project

“The Ministry has the option to waive the five week holding period for positions that are directly needed within the reconstruction process. We continue to stress that it is important for employers to try all avenues to recruit local workers, but we also want to work together towards ultimately stimulating the recovering economy.

“It is also important that the housing market is not distorted by incoming foreign workers. We already have a very limited housing capacity and we do not want to see unfair competition within the rental market which would have adverse effects for locals seeking affordable housing. This is an important topic of discussion that must continue when foreign workers are being brought in.” – Minister Emil Lee

Once all the documentation is submitted by the entity, the applicant, the Ministry will try to process the permits within a 10-day period. The ministry is very sensitive to the fact that if we do not respond quickly a timely give answers quickly that that would impact the supply of labor available for we construction process and so the ministry is committed to doing whatever we can to facilitate the process in an efficient manner for all.

The Ministry will continue with the initiatives and programs already in place to train locals in the reconstruction trades to ensure that they can participate in our reconstruction economy. Persons are encouraged to apply online via www.jobopportunity.sx and attend the organized job fairs and get access to employers who are seeking local workers and those with residence permits.

SINT MAARTEN/BARBADOS - UNICEF conducted a workshop on the Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS) from May 8th- 16th in Barbados. The workshop on the Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS), which explained the survey methodology extensively, is used for gathering, socio-economic and environmental data on women and children and for the Monitoring of some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) around the world.

The MICS Survey Design Workshop was attended by country representatives that are planning or considering conducting a MICS or a household survey to collect social indicators in the near future.

The workshop was well attended by several governmental senior representatives of the Eastern Caribbean countries, like Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Barbados.

There were also representatives from Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Guyana and Suriname present. Sint Maarten was represented by Ms. Drs. Loekie Morales of the Department of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, Ms. Sabrina Jno-Baptiste of the Department of Statistics (STAT) and Mrs. Elmora Aventurin-Pantophlet of the Youth department.

Since 1995, UNICEF has supported the implementation of five rounds of Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys around the globe, with close to 300 surveys conducted in more than 100 countries.

The MICS is becoming a key source of data on child protection, early childhood education, and a major source of data on child health, nutrition and MDGs. For this particular workshop, UNICEF has partnered with the OECS Commission and UN ECLAC.

The underlining objective of the training was to accelerate data collection, analysis and the usage, achieve stronger statistical capacity and increase data availability. It also provided an opportunity to understand the current data gaps in the region and the available tools and programs of support for sourcing statistics on key social SDG indicators.

UNICEF Netherlands invited Sint Maarten to participate and supported this capacity building program by funding the travel and accommodation costs of the Sint Maarten’s government representatives. Sint Maarten embraces the aim of the workshop and appreciates these efforts to support evidence based policy development and to advance the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development for Sint Maarten.

The information in the program serves Sint Maarten with the development of surveys and in its way also to develop a Roadmap for SDGs implementation on Sint Maarten, and for effectively monitoring the national SDG agenda, mainly on children and women.

The Sint Maarten representatives will give presentations on the methodologies to the relevant Secretary Generals and Ministers and share the templates and other documentation with the relevant line ministries and departments, to stimulate evidence-based policy making.

]]>info@soualiganewsday.com (Roddy)Soualiga Newsday Top StoriesMon, 21 May 2018 12:42:55 -0400Minister Ferrier says Sint Maarten’s recovery for the people not the politicianshttps://soualiganewsday.com/local/soualiga-newsday-top-stories/item/19780-minister-ferrier-says-sint-maarten%E2%80%99s-recovery-for-the-people-not-the-politicians.html
https://soualiganewsday.com/local/soualiga-newsday-top-stories/item/19780-minister-ferrier-says-sint-maarten%E2%80%99s-recovery-for-the-people-not-the-politicians.html

SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) – Regarding the comments in the St. Maarten Daily Herald’s front page article of Friday May 18, 2018 headlined with: “Ferrier’s availability of funds remark surprises The Hague”, the Minister of Finance Ferrier in a press release on Sunday May 20, 2018 said that everything he said is a fact.

Unfortunately the article in a well-read Dutch Newspaper on May 16, 2018 that caused the “surprise” of The Hague, put a political spin on his expressions of frustration on behalf of the citizens of St. Maarten.

According to Minister Ferrier, these are the facts: 1 Of the money allocated by the Dutch Government to the Trust Fund, none has yet been accessed by the Interim Government headed by PM Leona Marlin.

2 The only Dutch funds (cash, not services), that have reached Sint Maarten (the island) to date (May 18, 2018), are those sent DIRECTLY by the Dutch Government to various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s). In addition, the 13 Million Euros donated by the very generous Dutch population, were given to the Red Cross for distribution on Sint Maarten through various programs. These programs are NOT under the guidance, or with involvement of the present Government.

3 Because of a lack of trust in the body politic on Sint Maarten, The Hague chose to use an intermediary, the World Bank. In essence, the World Bank stands between the Dutch and Philipsburg. As such, the Rutte Cabinet is accountable to the Dutch population, represented by the Second Chamber, for the use of the funds. This choice is understood, acknowledged and respected.

4 The World Bank, historically, in all its worldwide interventions, operates in accordance with strict rules, norms, procedures and protocols. These rules, procedures and protocols are also acknowledged and respected. Since January 15, 2018, the Government’s civil service apparatus has diligently worked on understanding and applying the World Bank rules. This is a process that, has and continues to, consume the attention of just about all our available local government expertise.

5 The dilemma is that the limited government expertise is simultaneously needed to do three things: a. Run the day-to-day Operations of the Government of Sint Maarten; b. Manage and guide the recovery of the country destroyed by Hurricane Irma; c. Learn on-the-job how to do item (b) while taking a crash course in learning and applying World Bank rules, norms, protocols and procedures;

6 Among the challenges that fall under point 5.a, includes the Minister of Finance having to deal with sharply reduced government income and greatly increased government expenditures.

7 What does lower income and higher expenditure mean? Pretty simple; LIVING ON A DAILY BASIS with the frustrations of not being able to come to the aid of many of our citizens fast enough. Back in October 2017, the Heyliger, Wescot-Williams, Brownbill majority in Parliament agreed with the conditions set by the Kingdom Government, that were necessary for the Dutch funds being made available.

The conditions were establishing an Integrity Chamber and beefing up Border Control. Disagreement regarding these conditions were the cause of the fall of the previous Government which was replaced by an Interim Government, that unfortunately could not be sworn in prior to January 15th, 2018.

8 Since January, a National Recovery & Resiliency Plan had to be developed, and a Budget 2018 had to be prepared. These important items have to meet all manner of criteria, regulations and requirements.

9 Add to that: set-backs outside the control of the interim government, such as hacked computer systems and hazardous dump fires and the 2018 Hurricane season starting in two weeks.

When asked, Minister Ferrier added: “I chose to express the frustration of the reality on St. Maarten. Not for my own benefit, I have no political agenda. I am not staying on as Minister. My frustration is rooted in the lack of urgent help for some of our people who are still in desperate need. There is not a lack of will or commitment from St. Maarten.

“There is also not a lack of appreciation for the help that is on the way. However, a lot can be lost in translation when politics get involved. In Holland, political parties, already skeptical of St. Maarten are spinning the story to make political hay by grabbing hold of my comments.

“We all would be well served by remembering who this recovery is for. It is NOT for the politicians on either side of the ocean. It IS for the people without a roof over their head, or a job right here on St. Maarten. I live this reality everyday!” the Minister of Finance Michael Ferrier concluded.

SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) - Leader of the United St. Maarten (US) party MP Frans Richardson on Friday said Finance Minister Michael Ferrier's statement about the lack of funds from Holland as an admission that the United Democrats (UD) misled the people of St. Maarten for political purposes only and refused to stand up for them.

Richardson also added that the spin of the Dutch that St. Maarten’s progress thus far had “somehow to do with them”, is a false narrative. Credit, he says, should go fully to the people of St. Maarten.

As reported in The Daily Herald on Friday, Ferrier reportedly told the Telegraaf newspaper that having to comply with strict regulations of the World Bank, which manages the St. Maarten Reconstruction Trust Fund, for which the Dutch government has reserved 470 million euros (about US $ 580 million), is no easy task.

“We have our hands full to rebuild St. Maarten and at the same time we have to comply with the strict norms of the World Bank. We have to do everything with a small group of people. In the Netherlands they say: how come you are not ready yet, why don’t you make use of the funds? We have not been able to touch the money,” the Minister told De Telegraaf.

Richardson reminded that his party, the USP, explained over and over during the campaign that the picture the UD was painting about getting funds right away, was a false one, a lying one.

"We warned that by choosing the use the World Bank as a go-between for a supposedly equal partner in the Kingdom, would delay much needed funds for St. Maarten because St. Maarten in its cuurrent state would have major difficulties in meeting World Bank criteria," MP Richardson said.

He continued: "We warned that if the leaders of this country do not hold one head for its people to get the much talked about relief, another hurricane season would be upon us with no relief in sight. What did the UD say? They made it sound like they were the only people capable of securing the funds. Today the UD Finance Minister is throwing his hands up after criticizing the involvement of the World Bank in about two weeks ago on the floor of Parliament. Where are the funds today?"

MP Richardson said while the people of St. Maarten have not received financial relief, a few things have become clear. "Liquidity grants have become loans, the Integrity Chamber is coming out of the hurricane aid funds, we have to pay for extra police help, and only emergency funds have been made available. These are quite some accomplishments for the UD. In the meantime we are about to greet a new hurricane season," Richardson said.

The MP also noted that whenever Dutch politicians and other officials are on island, they travel with entire PR crews to make it look that St. Maarten's recovery after the hurricanes was due to Holland's intervention and help.

Richardson said on the contrary, the reconstruction of St. Maarten is due first and foremost to the hard work and resiliency of the people. He said credit goes to the banks who stepped up to offer grace periods for loans repayments and assistance at very low interest rates. Also, he added, to the various insurance companies who have made sure citizens get back on their feet.

"Let's give credit where credit is due, the reconstruction of St. Maarten and our recovery thus far is to the credit of the people of St. Maarten. The funds are still sitting at the World Bank. What you see on St. Maarten is the hard work and sweat of its people, business owners, volunteers and others. That is who should get the credit."

SINT MAARTEN (CAY HILL) - The senior students (12th grade) of the Learning Unlimited Preparatory School (LU), under the guidance of the LUPS College Counseling Department, has earned more than US $1.81 million dollars in merit-aid scholarship offers from prestigious universities around the world.

LUPS’s Class of 2018, 27 graduating seniors in total, will attend colleges and universities from Vancouver to New York through Miami and across the ocean to London and Amsterdam. Several of the students received full 4 year scholarships.

A small sampling of university acceptances to date, include Georgetown University, New York University, Bentley University, Northeastern University, Fordham University, Boston University, George Washington University, Depaul University, Hofstra University, University of Miami, Clark University, Clarkson University, University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, Brock University, the University of Waterloo, Concordia University, De Montfort University, Reading University and King's College.

“The college counseling process here at LU entails us working with them really for their entire career with us,” said Daunesh Alcott, LU’s Principal. “The key focus is on their high school years because all of those credits start in grade 9 and go to a permanent transfer, it stays with them for life. So we tell our students what they do in 9th grade is as important as what they do in 12th grade in terms of their grades. They need to maintain that.”

He went on to lay high praise on LU’s College Counseling Department. “With the other accredited schools in our accrediting body, I believe we are at the top end of any of those schools. Considering we are a small school, on an island, what we do and what our students accomplish is very impressive in comparison. There is constant communication with students and parents. ” he said.

LU is accredited by the US Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). LU is a certified registered member school of SAIS, SACS/ AdvancED, NAIS, ISA. Universities and colleges throughout the world traditionally honor diplomas granted by both SAIS and SACS/ AdvancEd.

The schools College Counseling Department is headed by Mark Beland. By the time LU students reach the 12th Grade and during the course of the application period, from September through February of the senior year, each student works with Beland on various issues such as the implications of early decision/action, crafting of the student’s extracurricular resume, mock interview sessions, teachers’ recommendations, and financial aid investigation.

“Our College Counselor, English teachers, and administrators work with students across the course of the academic year as they complete and perfect their applications, essays, and letters of motivation. Throughout the school year, representatives of several of the colleges to which our students apply come to LUPS to meet and provide insights to our juniors and seniors,” Beland explained.

“The LU College Counseling program supports each senior throughout the admissions process and helps students identify and gain acceptance to the college or colleges which suit their academic, lifestyle, extracurricular interests, and financial circumstances. This demonstrates the comprehensive process, yet again, of the value of an American-accredited LU education,” he added.

Alcott added that the Class of 2018 will be more than prepared for their future endeavors, however, this didn't just happen overnight. There were many carefully planned segments and artfully executed sequences along the way. “This college exploration, application and acceptance season was no exception and was both an exciting and stressful time for the Class of 2018. Now, they have all received their acceptance letters, financial aid, and scholarships; they have made decisions that will potentially impact the rest of their lives. This was an exceptional group of students.”

“With what our senior students have earned this year, once again the value of an LU education proves itself as it has been doing for years. We are very proud of that fact and very proud of the students, our teachers and staff,” Alcott concluded.

SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) - Social & Health Insurances SZV is actively reminding companies of their obligations in accordance to the Federal Ordinance for Sickness and Accident Insurance.

One of those obligations being the monthly declaration and payment of ZV and OV premiums, due no later than the 15th of each month. Since recent, SZV has intensified its controls in conjunction with increasing awareness amongst employers of the obligations and procedures.

Employers are encouraged to make use of the 24/7 online declaration and payment option available via the Employer Portal. However, companies can still submit their declarations in person at the Employer desk and are reminded that cash payments are no longer accepted.

Not complying to the obligation of declaring and paying on time can result in the levying of assessments.

The organization is proud to have been able to expand its services over the years, within the boundaries of the stipulated laws. The dedicated Employer Desk of SZV and online services offer employers in need of assistance with additional tools and information to meet their obligations.

SZV has been promoting its online services for over a year now, companies can submit their declarations online, on the website of SZV www.szv.sx via the Online Employer Portal. Online payment is encouraged by SZV; both of these options reduce the need to visit SZV offices and allow companies to be more efficient with their time.

Employers are being offered the ease of online contact and online service with the result of reduced waiting times and more importantly efficient and well documented processing and responses.

It is mandatory by law for all companies with one or more employees executing labor to register their company and their employees at SZV. You are considered an employer by SZV in the following cases: you are established on Sint Maarten, and you have employees executing labor for you on Sint Maarten, you are established on Sint Maarten, and your employees are executing labor for you outside of Sint Maarten (Dutch Caribbean).

A foreign company can also be categorized as an employer on Sint Maarten (Dutch Caribbean). An employer can be a natural person (such as an individual, called a sole proprietor), or a legal entity (such as a corporation, an N.V. or a B.V.) An overview of the general Employer obligations is available on SZV’s website www.szv.sx.

More information about Employer obligations, declaration and payment of ZV and OV premiums can be found on the website www.szv.sx and at the Employer service desk, which is located in Building 1, Level 1. Contacting SZV is possible via the website, info@szv.sx, Facebook or by calling 546-6782.

SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - In honor of International Nurses Day, which is celebrated globally on May 12th, “I would like to share this message. The theme for Nurses Day is: A voice to lead, a theme that I can resonate with and would like to promote within our health care sector,” Minister of Public Health Emil Lee said on Friday in a press statement from his Cabinet.

“I would like to recognize our nurses for their commitment to protecting, promoting, and improving health care for all in our country.

“Registered nurses form the largest of health care professions. I cannot begin to explain the influence and impact of our nurses in our Public Health strategies. In various sectors, industries and departments our nurses are active and vocal in policy development and implementation.

“I would like to see that recognition of our nurses be promoted as widely as possible. I am proud to say that the work of our nurses on Sint Maarten and our local nurses abroad is impactful and influential on a regional and international scale.

“Our nurses are active in improving access to health care, educating our community members, addressing poverty and nutrition, clean energy, inequality, sustainability and innovation. Nurses, thank you for your service and dedication to your profession and those in need. Happy Nurses Day.”

SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - One year after the passing of the former head of Department of Culture has elapsed, the Department is still grappling with a heavy sense of loss.

We lost a gentle visionary who made immense strides toward the development of culture at home and abroad. Neville York, gentle virtuoso, a musician, scholar, philosopher and champion for the arts and culture, dedicated his life to this country.

Although the sense of loss is profound, the Department has decided to celebrate the gift of his birth and all that he personified by establishing an annual Talent Scholarship in Mr. York’s name. On this the first anniversary of his passing, the Department of Culture is proud to announce the Neville York Talent Scholarship.

Mr. York in his capacity as cultural icon was an erudite and expansive nurturer who had appreciation for culture, heritage and the arts in all its myriad dimensions of expression. The scholarship, interdisciplinary in nature encompasses all disciplines.

The Neville York Talent Scholarship is geared towards a summer intensive or course in an institution of the applicant’s choice. Perspective candidates from a vast range of creative expressions are eligible to apply in pursuit of further training in their chosen discipline.

Department head Clara Reyes revealed that in speaking to Mr. York’s family, they expressed their appreciation to know that Neville York’s name would live on in the world and specifically in St. Maarten where he was not only a local musical genius, but a loving husband, brother, teacher and pusher of the craft. Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Jorien Wuite added that she was very, very pleased with the choice that Neville’s former team made.

“Talent scholarships are what we sincerely fought for and realized on the budget. Neville has always been supportive of creative talent and this choice is therefore a very fitting action in honoring his memory”.

The Neville York Talent Scholarship recipient will be announced annually on his birthday May 1, as a living tribute to the quiet artist that truly embodied a giant in the legacy he left behind.

DUTCH QUARTER - Project HELP provides free screenings in different community locations three times a year. HELP was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labour Collective Prevention Services.

“The scope and strength of the collaboration has increased over time. The Ministry provides invaluable support for AUC (American University of the Caribbean) and the learning of our students.

“AUC students and faculty are happy to be back in St. Maarten and to resume the offering of HELP.

“We are grateful for the support of Christian Faith Ministries Church in Dutch Quarter for hosting Project HELP on Saturday and for the collaboration of Mid Isle Rotary Club. The generosity of Christian Faith Ministries is amazing.

“They provided a beautiful space, helped in planning the details for the event, promoted the event to their members, and opened their entire facility to make the day a success.

“Church members will also help throughout the day to assist with guiding participants through the screenings. Volunteers from Mid Isle Rotary Club will be on hand to support the work of the students and to provide hospitality to the participants.

“AUC and Mid Isle are truly grateful for the support of programs that support prevention and good health on St. Maarten,” the Rotary Club of St. Maarten Mid-Isle said in a press statement on Wednesday.

The health screening is on Saturday, May 12 from 9.30m to 3.30pm at the Christian Faith Ministries in Dutch Quarter. There will be free screenings for adults (18+) for height, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and vision.

The Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle meets Tuesday at 7pm at Pineapple Pete in Simpson Bay. For more information please contact rotarysxm.mi@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle.

]]>info@soualiganewsday.com (Roddy)Soualiga Newsday Top StoriesWed, 09 May 2018 12:40:36 -0400Aggressive man shot by police after threatening with a knifehttps://soualiganewsday.com/local/soualiga-newsday-top-stories/item/19577-aggressive-man-shot-by-police-after-threatening-with-a-knife.html
https://soualiganewsday.com/local/soualiga-newsday-top-stories/item/19577-aggressive-man-shot-by-police-after-threatening-with-a-knife.html

PHILIPSBURG - A man identified with initials V.A and well-known to police was shot in his leg on Tuesday afternoon may 8th at approximately 04.20 p.m. The incident happened after police was called at the resident on Arrow root road where the suspect and his sister were again having problems.

On the scene, according to reports, the police approached the suspect who was armed with a knife was ordered several times to put the knife down which he refused to do. At one point he became very aggressive and approached the officers in a threatening manner with knife still in his hand.

He was again ordered by officers to drop the knife which he again refused to do. A warning shot was fired by police but the suspect continued approaching the officers at which time he was shot in his upper leg.

Other police patrols, Paramedics, Detectives and Forensic investigators were sent to the scene to conduct an investigation. The suspect was treated on the scene and then taken the Sint Maarten Medical Center for further medical treatment. The suspect remains in hospital for observation. (Sint Maarten Police Force)

GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department with the Sint Maarten Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, is calling on the community and in particular parents and guardians, day care centers and play schools, to take preventive measures to mitigate Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), by taking extra measures to prevent HFMD such as washing of hands often with soap and water.

HFMD is a common viral illness that usually affects infants and children who are 10-years of age or younger. It can sometimes occur in adults. There is no vaccine to protect against the viruses that cause hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Persons with symptoms should consult their family physician and take necessary preventive measures in order to mitigate an increase number of cases.

Symptoms of HFMD include cold-like conditions, fever, mouth sores, loss of appetite, cough, and a skin rash; a non-itchy red rash that develops on the hand and the feet, and sometimes the rash can develop into painful blisters; painful mouth ulcers.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is spread from person to person through nose and throat secretions (such as saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus), blister fluid, or stool of infected persons. When handling secretions it is advisable to apply the necessary preventive measures.

To lower your risk of being infected with hand, foot and mouth disease, wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after changing diapers and using the toilet; disinfecting dirty surfaces and soiled items, including toys. First wash the items with soap and water, and then disinfect them with a solution of chlorine bleach; and avoiding close contact such as kissing, hugging, thumb-sucking, nail-chewing or sharing eating utensils or cups with infected persons.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is not the same as foot and mouth disease, which affects cattle, sheep and pigs. The two infections are unrelated, and you cannot catch hand, foot and mouth disease from animals.

If your child or you have any of these symptoms, consult your family physician; agencies and/or institutions taking care of babies, toddlers etc. are requested to be on the alert and to take preventive measures by taking proper cleaning and hygienic measures.

]]>info@soualiganewsday.com (Roddy)Soualiga Newsday Top StoriesTue, 08 May 2018 17:29:22 -0400InselAir received acknowledgment from the government and airport of Sint Maartenhttps://soualiganewsday.com/local/soualiga-newsday-top-stories/item/19546-inselair-received-acknowledgment-from-the-government-and-airport-of-sint-maarten.html
https://soualiganewsday.com/local/soualiga-newsday-top-stories/item/19546-inselair-received-acknowledgment-from-the-government-and-airport-of-sint-maarten.html

SINT MAARTEN/CURACAO – InselAir in a press statement on Monday wanted to acknowledge that it had received a plaque from former Sint Maarten Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications, Mellissa Arrindell - Doncher and the former Chief Executive Officer of Princess Juliana Airport, Michel Hyman, a commemorative plaque for the contribution that the airline has delivered immediately after the devastating hurricane Irma passed the island early September 2017.

“The eye of Irma passed Sint Maarten on September 6 th . Two days thereafter, as soon as most sand was removed from the runway, InselAir was the first commercial airline to transport relief supplies and military personnel to the island and repatriated many people from the island.

“During the days thereafter Insel Air continued to operate many rescue flights. In addition to their own aircraft, InselAir hired airplanes from other airlines as well to bring emergency workers and relief goods to the island and to transport as many people in need to Curacao as possible,” the InselAir press release concluded.

SINT MAARTEN (COLE BAY) - It is four in the morning and we have just crossed the Anegada Passage on a forty-foot sailing boat. I’ve just spent three days racing in the BVI Spring Regatta and we are delivering the boat back to Sint Maarten. It was an excellent few days, with sailors supporting the British Virgin Islands in their first regatta since the disastrous 2017 Hurricane Season, just as they did in Sint Maarten a few weeks earlier for the Heineken Regatta.

It is a beautiful evening; we left in the late afternoon for the thirteen-hour haul across the Drake and then the Windward Passages. The sea is calm and the wind favorable as we sail past Necker Island, the once luxurious home of Billionaire Philanthropist Sir Richard Branson, now a shell of splintered wood completely gutted by Irma and Maria. The sun set in the fiery glow of optimism that this time of day brings, and the rising of the stars guide our way home across the Northeastern Caribbean. Before the moonrise we can see the bioluminescent organisms organize their own stellar constellation in our wake. And then, finally, the unblinking eye of the moon watching over us as we make our way overnight to Simpson Bay.

After about eleven hours we can just make out the lights of Anguilla ahead of us as we start to see the colors in the East softening with the rising dawn, and a breeze is picking up out of the Northeast. Suddenly, on that same breeze that has blown for centuries over our humming islands, a scent so acrid and chemical is being carried. A scent that burns our eyes and scratches our throats. After eleven hours smelling fresh air at sea we are confronted by our terrible post-hurricane reality. We have just been welcomed back by that which has been the defining aspect of Sint Maarten; the toxic, poisonous smoke of the Philipsburg Landfill.

We have barely one month to go before the start of what is predicted to be one of the busiest Hurricane Seasons in seventy years. Not good news for an island still reeling from the last season, but especially not good news in terms of an island failing in terms of resiliency, sustainable development and responding to our environmental disaster.

Make no mistake; Hurricane Irma and her aftermath are environmental disasters. The storm was fueled by the environmental effects brought on by Climate Change. The storm has impacted and affected our environment, and in turn, it has impacted our economy. Despite the total disregard for the environment on Sint Maarten the past few months, whether in terms of recognition from the highest decision makers of the land or the ‘small man on the street,’ the protection of our natural resources is the only way to recover from this event. Yet, the environment is again taking a back-seat on Sint Maarten. And this time it will be at our own peril.

Right after the hurricane the environment was the hot topic; the Nature Foundation received calls, emails, messages and requests of information from our community and from the tourism industry to get a status update on our defining tourism product: the beautiful nature of Sint Maarten. Cruise Ship companies and tour operators depended on clean beaches good water quality for guests to return. It were the updates on the health of our environment immediately after the storm that helped form the decision for tourism to return to the island. Scuba divers and snorkelers wanted to know the status of our coral reefs, a resource that provides fifty-million dollars to our economy annually.

But now that the dust has settled we are again struggling on the environmental front: water quality is an issue at our swimming beaches; wetlands are being filled-in and mangroves removed; sewage is being recorded everywhere; the work of environmental and conservation organizations are being largely ignored, under-financed and under-appreciated; littering and solid waste issues are on the increase; and we are being poisoned daily by the landfill.

If there is anything the past few months should have taught us is that our environment and our economy are inexorably linked, and the conservation of our natural resources coupled with the social support of our populace and the diversification of our economy are the only ways to ensure our survival.

The only way we can overcome this challenge, this major test of our resolve and of our love for this island, is to make our environment and the conservation of our resources a priority. Splitting Environment from the rest of the VROMI Ministry is something which has been suggested by various international organizations that visited Sint Maarten in the aftermath of the Hurricane, making the observation considering the environmental challenges that we face and the lack of attention it receives.

We are small yet diverse enough, and have enough dynamic minds on this island, to focus our rebuilding energy on sustainable development. We need to focus on the looking after of the social needs of our population (so many still without roofs, without jobs), the diversification of our economy, the protection of our natural resources and the support for renewable energy. We are contained enough as a community to ban the use of single use plastics, to protect our terrestrial ecosystems and to start to have a concrete and swift resolution to our solid waste issues. We need a national campaign regarding the beautifying of our neighborhoods, taking pride in our place and in our identity. Only then can we truly be St. Maarten Strong for to be Strong is to be Resilient and Prepared.

We are tying up the boat now to the dock in Simpson Bay, looking forward to have a solid breakfast and get some hours of good sleep. Hopefully, by the time we awaken from the nightmare that Irma has left us in, Sint Maarten will be at the pinnacle of sustainability in the region. And no longer will sailors smell us before they see us.

Tadzio Bervoets

Cole Bay

COMMENTARY: The points of view expressed here are the sole responsibility of the author.

SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) - The Board of the Sint Maarten Christian Party (SMCP) would like to extend sincere condolences to the wife, family and friends of the late Joseph Emmanuel Richardson, affectionately known as Joe, SMCP said in a press statement on Sunday.

“As leader of the SMCP, I have a strong connection to Mr. Richardson who was always a source of inspiration and encouragement to me, Smith said. Joe was the youngest person in the Netherlands Antilles to be appointed as Administrator, which inspired me to eventually also pursue a career in government.

“In October 1969, the well-known Ebony Magazine published an article about Joe, entitled “Saba’s Youngest Ruler” with as subtitle: “Administrator of remote volcanic island is only 24”. As a teenager I read and re-read this article many times. Several years later, even though I did not make it in the Ebony Magazine, the headline of one of the Dutch Antillean newspapers read: “Saba’s First and Youngest Lt. Governor at age 34”.

“Joe was a man who was able to stand above politics and reach out across party lines. After entering active politics, whenever I met Joe he would always have a word of encouragement for me. I remember clearly his last words to me the last time we met. We talked about politics at bit and then he looked at me, smiled and said. “If I wasn’t committed to another party I would join the Christian Party”. Sint Maarten has lost a political icon who was committed to his country, Sint Maarten.

“Therefore, on behalf of my brother and sisters, the members of the Sint Maarten Christian Party, and the people of St. Maarten, I hereby extend my sympathy to the family and friends of the late Mr. Joseph Richardson. May His Soul rest in Peace,” Member of Parliament (MP) Wycliffe Smith, Leader of SMCP said on Sunday.

SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - The department of Collective Prevention Services recently launched a Vector Control Awareness campaign themed: “If you clean it Up, we will pick it Up”.

The Ministry of VSA (Public Health, Social Development & Labour) would like to announce an important change in the execution of the campaign activities. In the press release of April 26th, it was stated that “the campaign would commence on May 8th in the following districts: Sucker garden; Middle region; Dutch Quarter; Belvedere; Mount Williams; Defiance and Bishop hill. Residents were asked to prepare their debris for pick-up by 7am.”

This is no longer the case. In order to ensure effective use of resources and desired outcome, the campaign will be executed per district and will be extended for a longer period.

On May 8th, the campaign will commence solely in the district of Sucker Garden at pre-identified homes that will be assessed for clean-up assistance.

Vector control teams will conduct assessments of residents that were previously identified for risks of on-site mosquito breeding grounds. These homeowners will be provided with assistance from the project teams to have debris collected from their homes and disposed of.

A collective effort of Government and community to combat mosquito breeding grounds, one home at a time.

The assessments will commence on May 8th in the district of Sucker Garden. Identified homeowners who have given consent for the clean-up will be assisted on appointment basis.

On appointment date, the following debris are to be collected: Trash/Hurricane debris, Tires, Washing machines, Refrigerators, Discarded buckets and other containers, unmaintained fountains and/or birdbaths.

Construction materials will NOT be collected and individuals are responsible to dispose of these at the landfill.

For more information about this campaign and preventative measures related to mosquitoes, call CPS at 542-2078, 542-3003 or email surveillance@sintmaartengov.org.

SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - On Wednesday April 25, 2018, the Secretariat of the Council of Ministers on behalf of the Council of Ministers hosted an interactive information session and expo for civil servants that fall within the job function of administrative support staff in honor of National Administrative Professionals’ day.

Welcoming words were expressed by the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports, Ms. Jorien Wuite who highlighted the importance of professional/human capital development through focusing on collective skills, knowledge, or other intangible assets of staff.

“Today, the Government of Sint Maarten recognizes you, your value to the organization, your hard work and the contributions that you make to enhance the development of a professional governmental organization that has as its purpose to serves our country and its residents as clients to our organization, being it students, businesses, organizations or residents in need for services such as drivers licenses, passports just to name a few of our core activities.

“We are conscious of your hard work and we therefor take this moment with this event to express our gratitude and say THANK YOU, for every effort, contribution, and task and result you accomplished, each day, each week at a time. For those of you that therefor initiated opportunities for further learning to perfect your skills, knowledge or learn a new area or innovative subject I say THANK YOU once more for, ” said Minister Wuite.

Ms. Clara Reyes, Head of the Culture Department, also gave a presentation that incorporated key skills, such as EFT tapping points that can be utilized as a tool to deal with post-Irma stress as professionals in the workplace.

Civil servants from several ministries attended the event, some of which were not familiar with each other, which created a perfect opportunity for the last presenter Ms. Ife Badejo, the founder of Experience PWR, to engage with them, in her networking segment.

Throughout the event, attendees were able to win several prizes that were sponsored by Telcell, the Princess Juliana Airport and the Tourism office.

Also a part of the event were several booth holders for the information expo which included the Soualiga Toastmasters Club, EH Image Consulting, Experience PWR and the University of St. Martin.

The Council of Ministers thanks all sponsors, persons that attended and all individuals and businesses that took the time out to be a part of the event.

]]>info@soualiganewsday.com (Roddy)Soualiga Newsday Top StoriesThu, 03 May 2018 20:51:10 -0400Government recognizes Memorial Day Acknowledging a day of Peace on May 4https://soualiganewsday.com/local/soualiga-newsday-top-stories/item/19502-government-recognizes-memorial-day-acknowledging-a-day-of-peace-on-may-4.html
https://soualiganewsday.com/local/soualiga-newsday-top-stories/item/19502-government-recognizes-memorial-day-acknowledging-a-day-of-peace-on-may-4.html

This day is recognized throughout the Kingdom of the Netherlands in remembrance of military and civilians who died during World War II and military personnel who died during military operations among which peacekeeping missions, since World War II.

During that day the Military, Police, VKS and the Youth Brigade will participate in a silent march procession from Clem Labega Square towards the Captain Hodge Wharf.

A short ceremony will take place in front of the repositioned plaques that commemorate the local names that have fought for our freedom within the Kingdom.

Two minutes before the official program begins the bells will toll by the surrounding churches in the Philipsburg area, which will end at 5:00 p.m.

There will be an official wreath laying ceremony by the (Acting) Governor, Prime Minister and President of Parliament.

The program includes a prayer by Father Rawlins which will lead to the two minutes of silence, followed by a tribute poem by Ms. Maugada Jackson. The general public is invited to come to this event to pay tribute on a day the nation of Sint Maarten shows appreciation of our Freedom.

SINT MAARTEN (COLE BAY) - The Sint Maarten Nature Foundation has started to populate its first coral nursery structures as part of its ‘Fragments of Recovery, Coral Reef Restoration Program.

The project was recently launched after most of the previous coral nurseries were damaged or destroyed by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

“The first Staghorn corals (Acropora cervicornis) have been transplanted to the coral nursery station on the dive site ‘Moonscape, close to Simpson Bay.

“The two nursery ladders from the Nature Foundation are now populated with coral fragments in order to raise new coral colonies to repopulate the damaged coral reefs,” commented Nature Foundation Projects Officer Melanie Meijer zu Schlochtern.

“Now that we are in a phase where we further along in our recovery we have started to relaunch our coral restoration program. We received tremendous help from the community after the Hurricane as well as from the Coral Restoration Foundation, the US National and Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) and the Coral Reef Restoration Consortium to get our project going again.

“Slowly we will be adding coral in our nursery which we will eventually outplant on our reefs that were severely impacted by the Hurricanes. We estimate that we lost about80% of our coral combined,” commented Tadzio Bervoets, Nature Foundation Manager.

The Nature Foundation also received support and expert assistance from Jamaican Coral Restoration Expert Michelle McNaught during the initial stages of populating the fragments.

]]>info@soualiganewsday.com (Roddy)Soualiga Newsday Top StoriesWed, 02 May 2018 12:02:40 -0400Lee: Recovery period will be one of the most challenging timeshttps://soualiganewsday.com/local/soualiga-newsday-top-stories/item/19460-lee-recovery-period-will-be-one-of-the-most-challenging-times.html
https://soualiganewsday.com/local/soualiga-newsday-top-stories/item/19460-lee-recovery-period-will-be-one-of-the-most-challenging-times.html

SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) – On Tuesday, May 1, International Labour Day, Minister of Labour Emil Lee took part in an activity organized by the Windward Island Chamber of Labour Unions.

Minister of Labour Emil Lee made the following address: “It’s an honor to celebrate Labor Day with you today. Today we come together in unity and solidarity to recognize our local workers, our local heroes. To those that have and continue to contribute to St Maarten, Thank you. Without your efforts, there’s no doubt that St Maarten wouldn’t have become the leader in Caribbean tourism that it is today.

“St Maarten has endured and overcome many challenging times and despite the blow from Irma, St Maarten will rise again. But, let’s be candid and honest with ourselves, this recovery period will be one of the most challenging times St Maarten has experienced.

“Our airport has been badly damaged and apparently still working to resolve its insurance claim, a story which is far too common. Anecdotally, many businesses and residents speak about unresolved or unacceptable insurance settlements. Government also struggles with its own insurance claims.

“Our tourism infrastructure has suffered a devastating blow. And as I visit different neighborhoods, without exception, there are homes and businesses that haven’t even begun to rebuild.

“While we welcome the assistance from many donors especially the much anticipated 470 Million Euros in assistance from Holland to be channeled via the World Bank, clearly finding the financial means to reconstruct much less build back better will be challenging. Fact is as our economy struggles to rebound, until insurance money flows into our economy and recovery money becomes readily available, everyone will struggle to make ends meet.

“Unless of course, you are part of the reconstruction economy. Some have made the transition already either as employees or as entrepreneurs. As government and especially as the Ministry of VSA, we are putting as many programs as possible in place for people interested in participating in the reconstruction economy to find decent and rewarding work.

“As Minister, I have worked to ensure that the Ministry has the resources it needs to be able to function and that we have allocations in the Recovery fund for our programs. Programs designed to train and support our workers who for whatever reason can’t find work in the rebuilding of St Maarten, all in an effort to bridge the gap until we can reignite our economy.

“The Hospitality training program and PIERS Program or cash for work programs have been developed from scratch after Irma. And while they are still in beginning phases and under evaluation, they are operational. The voucher program and community assessment has begun phase 2, in the communities. And while these are good programs, we know they are temporary and basic solutions.

“Whenever there are limited resources and intense competition for those resources, tension is natural. Add to that the stress which is to be expected after Hurricane Irma. Anxiety, Anger, Fear, Avoidance, Sensitivity, Frustration. And then there is the reality that hasn’t quite sunken in…..Hurricane season is one month away.

“There can be little doubt that these will be challenging times ahead. But today is a day to celebrate and come together…And that is exactly the message that I want to bring today. It is only through Unity and Solidarity will St Maarten build back better.

“We have an opportunity to build back better, not only stronger buildings but a stronger economy, one that is resilient to climate change. One that cares for our environment. One that ensures that no one is left behind. One that ensures that everyone can work with pride, dignity and respect.

“It would be easy …even understandable that we resort to fighting amongst ourselves… but St Maarten needs us to continue to work together as we have been doing already. Lean on each other. Complement each other. Help each other. Talk to each other. And if necessary defend each other.

“I want to thank the Ministry of VSA, they were there immediately after Irma and ever since despite the most difficult of circumstances and in spite of their own personal challenges, they have worked tirelessly to serve the community. I know I don’t say thank you enough. Or good job often enough. Thank you. Good job.

“I want to thank the Unions for being amazing social partners. We have maintained an excellent relationship over the past 2 years and I look forward to continuing that relationship.

“I want to thank the business community for keeping the faith. I know some have given up and left the island. I know how challenging these days are. And while the first and most natural reaction is to help the most vulnerable in our community, we know you are also struggling for your survival.

And most of all, I want to thank the thousands of workers that have helped to build St Maarten and on whom we are depending to help to rebuild St Maarten better than ever….

“I assure you that the Ministry and Minister are here to help. Our doors are open. Ready to dialogue and work together. We stand ready to defend the interests of workers that are treated unfairly. We stand ready to find win-win solutions to our problems. We will stand side by side with all of our partners to fight to restart our economy and to ensure that our people ….all of our people… can prosper and live with dignity.”

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) - On the occasion of King’s Day Celebrations at the Simpson Bay Resort and Marina, His Excellency Governor Eugene Holiday, delivered the following speech.

Esteemed Guests, Good evening,

Marie Louise and I bid you a very warm welcome to this King’s Day celebration in honor of the birthday of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander. We do so in the spirit of this evening’s theme: Resilience and Service. That in the context of our post-hurricane Irma reality. The theme has been chosen to celebrate the resilience of the people of Sint Maarten as well as the service provided by various groups to our country as a source of inspiration for our recovery. I have therefore named my address: Recovering Through Resilience and Service.

Having lived through the strongest hurricane on record and looking for ways to recover from its impact, it suffices to say that we are living at a critical crossroad in our nation’s history. Looking back there can be no doubt that we have made great strides in responding to the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma to our island. Hurricane Irma and her aftermath have set our country back in no small way. Looking ahead it has left government, businesses, households and individuals – yes, all of us – with a most daunting and urgent challenge; What steps are we to take to secure our recovery?

The book of Jeremiah provides some guidance for action in that regard, were it states: and I quote:

“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it.”[1] Unquote.

We must according to those words, learn from our past, complete our vision and our plans for our island and get ready to execute them, which is get ready to walk the good way. In doing so, I believe that we can draw inspiration from the words of Nelson Mandela where he stated, and I quote:

“With resilience, we realize that life is not a sprint but a marathon, and that we will need patience, endurance, pacing, and faith in order to weather the rough spots and keep going. So, persevere. Refuse to stay down for the count.You never know if your next attempt will be your breakthrough” unquote.

Nelson Mandela’s words are profoundly applicable to our situation. I say that, because I believe that we have the strength and responsibility to pull ourselves up and propel our nation’s recovery. That is after all what we started in the past 7 months and that is what we must and will do in the period ahead. Considering our situation we can, even though there is a long way to go, safely state that our daily life has in large part been restored. This because of the resilience demonstrated by our people and thanks to the dedicated service of many persons and organizations, some present and represented here tonight. Persons who, having suffered damage to their property themselves, came out and continue to come out under difficult circumstances to serve our community and make recovery possible.

Esteemed guests,

Imagine where we would be today without the sacrifice and commitment of so many – such as, police officers, military, nurses, doctors, firefighters, teachers, technicians, volunteers, business owners, government officials and others – who, in so many different ways, worked and continue to work to create a foundation for our recovery. Thus, as we stand at the crossroads to chart our path for recovery, let us stand still to celebrate our resilience and to express our gratitude to those who have helped brought us this far.

And as we celebrate this evening, let us with an eye on our future, remember the words of Mandela. Namely, that our continued pursuit of our recovery from the effects of Hurricane Irma, requires that we – you and I – must prepare for the marathon. And as we do so, let us draw inspiration from our resilience, which time and time again has fueled our efforts and country’s progress. It is with that knowledge and appreciation for the valued service of so many to our community that we can look to the future with hope for the full recovery and further growth of our country.

Esteemed Guests,

It is therefore with gratitude that I have chosen this King’s Birthday Celebration as a moment to stand still to celebrate the resilience of our people and to highlight all invaluable service rendered to the people of Sint Maarten.

Thus as we continue the tradition of celebrating King’s Day let us do so this evening with an emphasis on Resilience and Service and I wish you an enjoyable evening.

UPPER PRINCESS QUARTER - On Saturday April 28th at approximately 05.00 a.m. police patrols and detectives were directed to the home of the Ottley family located at Upper Princess Quarter where shots were reported fired.

On the scene the investigating officers found evidence that indeed indicates that shots were fired at the house and the vehicles on the premises. This evidence was collected by the Forensic Department for further investigation.

No one was injured during this incident and no suspects have been identified or arrested. The reason for this hooting is also unknown.

The Police Department is asking anyone who has information that can help solve this case to immediately get in contact with department by calling 54-22222 ext 213, 214, the Emergency Dispatch 911 or the Police anonymous Tip line #9300. (Sint Maarten Police Force)

SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) – All persons of Guyanese citizenship who applied for new passports in March can uplift same at the 158B Back Street office of the St. Maarten Guyanese Association (SMGA) in Philipsburg, says Honorary Consul of Guyana, Mr. Cleveland Beresford.

Additionally, persons are being urged to use the new number and email address for the consulate when requiring assistance in all matters. The new number to use for the Consulate’s Office is 542-7314 and the email address is guyconsulsxm@gmail.com.

All persons who have not picked up their new documents since January are being asked to do so and others are reminded that applications for new passports must be submitted at least six months before the travel document expires.

The Consulate Office, which is housed in the same building as the SMGA, will be closed for the Carnival holidays until Wednesday, May 2, 2018.

CAY HILL - On Thursday April 26th at approximately 8.40 a.m. police patrols, paramedics, detectives and forensic investigators were sent to a home in Ginger road in Cay hill where the Emergency Dispatch received a call of a stabbing.

On the scene the investigating officers encountered the female victim who had several stab wounds to her upper body from which she was bleeding quite profusely. The victim was immediately treated by paramedics and then transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for further treatment.

The scene was immediately cordoned off by police in order for the crime scene investigators to collect evidence and detectives to speak to witnesses. The investigators learnt that during a heated argument between the victim and the suspect she was stabbed several times by him.

The suspect after committing this act fled the scene and has not yet turned himself in or been arrested. After treatment at the hospital the victim was released.

The investigation is ongoing. As more details regarding this investigation become available the media will be informed. (Sint Maarten Police Force)

SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) — The Philipsburg Jubillee Library partnered with former librarian Mrs. Barbra Arrindell and archivist Julian Arrindell as they donated funds that were raised by Chr. Dalton Primary School “ De Maten” school in the Netherlands where their grandsons, Tim who is in group 5, Ravi in group 2, and Stan in group 1, go to school.

The monetary donation was collected at the request of Jenny Valk, the director of the primary school and it was meant to be donated to a school that was in dire need of some assistance after the passing of Hurricane Irma on September 6th, 2017.

St. Maarten archivist Julian Arrindell was born and raised in the Middle Region district. As a proud grandfather he opted, together with his wife, former librarian of the Philipsburg Jubilee Library, to assist their grandchildren’s school by bring their school community funds to St. Maarten to be donated to a school in need.

After hearing that the school in his district had been severely damaged by the storm the logical choice became clear to assist Sr. Marie Laurence School and their students; which is one of the six Roman Catholic schools on our island. The school building is damaged in such a way that it has to be demolished and rebuilt hopefully by the next school term.

Currently, a number of groups are still being taught, however group 1, 4, 7 and 8 are temporarily being housed at the other Catholic schools.

Sr. Marie Laurence School Manager Karen Wattley was excited and honored when Public Relations and Activity Coordinator of the Philipsburg Jubilee Library, Maryland Powell approached the school on behalf of the Arrindell’s family.

School Manager Karen Wattley disclosed to the Arrindell’s after the hurricane “that some of the 198 students are still with family members in the Netherlands. It is very difficult for many children to deal with the trauma and the consequences of the aftermath of the passing of the hurricane. Some have really suffered the trauma and are being taught separately, while others can handle it better, however in unexpected moments, strong emotions are released.”

Ms. Wattley went on to say that “one of our main priority is the well-being of our students and because it is, we find it important for the children to share their feelings with each other. Every month all students, including those at the other locations, come together for a day at the Sr. Marie Laurence School premises in the district of Middle Region, because it is important that the children can share their experiences. There is also a Skype connection with the children in the Netherlands.”

The monetary donation will go towards purchasing their mascot PB Rex that had been stolen during the looting and vandalism directly after the passing of Hurricane Irma. The Mascot PB Rex represents their program for Positive Behavior Support, where students receive a token for good/ positive behavior.

With ten tokens a student has earned a place on the monthly Wall of Fame and they also receive encouraging bracelets given as a token that reflects their achievements. The students are crazy about PB Rex and the bracelets, but unfortunately they both disappeared in the aftermath of hurricane Irma. The funds came in on time as they will be purchasing a new PB Rex mascot and bracelets as the program has not ceased, it is now being used provisionally.

On Wednesday, April 18th, 2018, the money was handed over to the students and teachers of the Sister Marie Laurence School by proud grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Julian and Barbra Arrindell and the Philipsburg Jubilee Library’s Public Relations Officer and Activity Coordinator, Maryland Powell.

In addition, on this occasion the students were treated to a storytelling session and the school received 3 cases of Dutch books that were donated to the school for their reading pleasure.

Besides the Sister Marie Laurence School, Asha Stevens Hill Side Christian Campus and Methodists Agogic Centre Campus, and Browlia F. Maillard Campus received one case of Dutch books each for their school library.

The Philipsburg Jubilee Library is proud to support Mr. and Mrs. Arrindell in their efforts for the schools. The library provides many services and is not just limited to books. We are a central hub of our community.

So as we all face some challenges due to the consequences of Hurricane Irma, we are moving forward , working hard towards a temporary building as we continue to serve you with in our current situation. We are open for YOU!

ST. PETERS - In collaboration with the St. Peters neighbourhood, the Netherlands Red Cross, through its St. Maarten branch, is organizing an information session about their current recovery programs in St. Peters.

On Thursday, April 26, starting at 6.00pm, members of the St. Peters community, residents and others are invited to a meeting to learn more about the programs. This meeting will take place at the Rupert I. Maynard Community Center.

Currently, the Red Cross has three programs aimed at helping families who were been impacted by Hurricane Irma.

The Red Cross has launched the second phase of the Supermarket Voucher Programme through which families in need receive Red Cross food vouchers allowing them to purchase groceries in participating supermarkets.

In addition, the Home Repair Programme has completed its first assessments, with technical officers providing expertise and the Red Cross providing materials to support families in the repair of their homes.

Finally, the School Meal Programme, which provides breakfasts and hot lunches to thousands of students each day, has been extended until the end of the school year.

DUTCH QUARTER - On Tuesday April 24th at approximately 3.45 p.m. police patrols, paramedics, detectives and forensic investigators were directed to Gibbs drive in Dutch Quarter where a shooting was reported.

On the scene the investigating officers encountered a male victim who was bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. The victim was lying on the ground next to a car which he was driving when the shooting occurred.

Paramedics who arrived on the scene treated the victim and immediately transported him in very serious condition to the Sint Maarten Medical Center. The crime scene was immediately cordoned-off by police for the forensic department to collect evidence and the detectives to interview potential witnesses.

Shortly after the Police department received notice from the medical center that the victim had passed from the wounds he sustained. The identity of the victim has not yet been established and the person or persons responsible for the shooting have not yet been identified or arrested.

No further details to this investigation are available at this time. As more information becomes available the media will be informed.

In the meantime the Police Department is asking anyone who saw what happened before, during or after this shooting to immediately get in contact with the Police Department by calling the emergency number 911, 54-22222 ext 215 and 216. Your assistance in helping to solve this case is highly appreciated. (Sint Maarten Police Force)

SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - On Tuesday, April 24th the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport received three vehicles from Motorworld made possible with funds donated from the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.

Minister Jorien Wuite was on hand to accept the vehicles along with Dutch Representative to Sint Maarten, Chris Johnson. The cars will be used to carry out daily tasks within the Ministry including inspection visits to schools, cultural monuments and sports facilities.

The Minister thanks the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science for their continued assistance and partnership post Irma.

POND ISLAND - On Monday, April 23, Teen Times Youth Extravaganza/Talent Showdown drew an estimated 1600 young people to Carnival Village, the Teen Times said in a statement on Monday night.

“More was entering the Village to support their peers when the Village lost electricity supply due to GEBE's blackout. We were about half-way through the program showcasing St. Maarten's talented youth.

“The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) will afford Teen Times space on its Family Fun Day on April 29 to give the youth who didn't get to perform the opportunity to do so.

“We thank those young people and their parents who came out in full force to once again support a Teen Times event. We will finish the job on April 29,” the Teen Times statement concluded.

SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) - The National Alliance (NA) faction in Parliament has serious concerns about the status of the recovery of the people of St. Maarten as well as that of the country itself, the NA said in a press statement.

The NA submitted a requests for a meeting of the House of Parliament. A Central Committee meeting of the House is set for Wednesday, April 25 at 2.00pm. The three agenda points for the parliamentary session are: status of National Recovery Plan; role of the World Bank in recovery process; status update on Government’s information technology infrastructure in connection with the recent cyber-attack.

The NA Faction release: “In lieu of the looming hurricane season and the constant challenges being faced with the landfill, economic development and unemployment, the plight of the people still suffering as a results of Hurricane Irma, among other ills, it is imperative that government gives account.

“In recognition of its obligation as representatives of the people, its role as supervisors of the Council of Ministers, and to ensure proper governance, the faction has submitted several meeting requests to start off this Parliamentary Term 2018-2022.

“In accordance with the Rules of Order of Parliament, on Thursday, April 19th, 2018, the NA Faction submitted a letter for a meeting to the attention of the acting President of Parliament Mrs. Sarah Wescot-Williams requesting the presence of the Honorable Prime Minister Mrs. Leona Marlin with the following agenda points:

Status of the National Recovery Plan and the overall recovery of Sint Maarten in general

The role of the World Bank in the recovery process and the dissemination of recovery funds and the status of the Sint Maarten Project Bureau to manage the recovery project.

“Additionally, several requests were finalized and submitted on Friday to call the relevant Ministers in to update the Parliament and people of St. Maarten on:

the Urgent Meeting which had been postponed upon request of the Prime Minister since February 9, 2018 on the status of - and plans moving forward for the Landfill, which continues to pose a threat to our society;

the meeting to appoint the Chair and Vice Chairs of Parliament which was also postponed since March 29, 2018;

measures being taken to protect Government’s Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure;

Status of Hurricane Preparedness for the upcoming hurricane season 2018.

“Member of Parliament Ardwell Irion in his capacity as Vice Chair of the Finance Committee also submitted a request for a committee meeting with the Minister of Finance to discuss and investigate the Maho Group/Sunwing Group financial aid request.

“These meeting requests have been submitted to the President of Parliament on Friday and in the coming week in an effort to have parliament and the people of St. Maarten brought up-to-date on matters gravely affecting St. Maarten, hear government’s plans concerning them as well as to afford Parliament to ask questions and make suggestions and/or proposals on the subject matter.

“Another concern is when the meeting for the appointment of the President and Vice Presidents for the new Parliamentary term will take place. These appointments should have taken place as the first meeting of the new parliament which was sworn in since April 2, 2018.

“The meeting was convened and subsequently postponed, and has to date not been reconvened. While the Parliamentary Rules of Order may allow for the former President to continue to act as such in the absence of such a meeting, it is surely not the intention for such a scenario to continue for an indefinite period of time, as such will determine the Presidium, and facilitate the formation of Permanent and Ad Hoc Committees which also remain pending,” the NA Parliamentary Faction said in its statement.

NA Faction Leader Member of Parliament (MP) Silveria Jacobs anticipates a speedy response from the President of Parliament confirming receipt of the requests as well as confirmation that the pertinent requests have been forwarded to the relevant Minister(s) in order to be able provide the necessary information to the Parliament of St. Maarten.

MP Jacobs further reiterated that, “…representation of the people is serious business which she and the NA faction take very seriously, and will follow up on the requested meetings with utmost diligence,” the NA Faction statement concluded.

SINT MAARTEN (MIDDLE REGION) - All $30 tickets for St. Maarten’s Carnival flagship show, TelCell’s Night of the Hit Makers are sold out and patrons are being urged to grab their $40 tickets before Saturday’s show in the Festival Village.

Xtratight producer, Bertaux ‘Mr. Rude’ Fleming said the $40 tickets will be on sale right up until 7:00pm on April 28, the day of the much-anticipated show. Persons will pay more at the gate. Fleming has not, however, disclosed how much more patrons will pay at the gate.

There is much hype about ‘Night of the Hit Makers’, with persons travelling from neighbouring islands and as far south as Aruba, as Fleming has never failed to satisfy his fans in the six years the show has been running.

This year will feature Grammy-nominated Reggae artiste Jah Cure; Haitian Kompa band out of Miami, T-Vice; St. Maarten's own Control Band; and the original Burning Flames now known as Fantastic Four out of Antigua. It is the first year that a Reggae artiste is in the line-up.

SINT MAARTEN/CARIBBEAN - This spring, groups throughout the Caribbean will be celebrating the birds that are only found here. 40 events on 14 islands are already on the schedule for this year’s Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF).

More than 80,000 Caribbean residents, friends and visitors will join in the activities, led by BirdsCaribbean. Earth day, April 22, marks the beginning of the festival, which continues to May 22 – the International Day for Biological Diversity.

On St. Martin, the Les Fruits de Mer association hosts their annual Endemic Animal Festival as part of CEBF. This year, the free festival will be held from 9am to noon on Sunday, May 20th. It will be held at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House, a museum that the association is relaunching in French Quarter. Although the museum itself is still under development, the event will include many fun activities and a chance to see this historic house.

2018 was designated “Year of the Bird” by the National Geographic Society to commemorate 100 years of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This is a powerful document that has protected birds for generations. The 2018 CEBF theme is “Year of the Bird.”

In the 17-year history of the CEBF, BirdsCaribbean and its enthusiastic partners across the region have always found fun and creative ways to connect people to our Caribbean endemic birds. The festival seeks to inspire people of all ages and walks of life to conserve our birds and our natural environment. This is even more critical in the wake of 2017’s devastating hurricanes. The recovery and the resilience of our bird populations must also be recognized in the coming month.

Why is the CEBF important? Of the 565 species of birds in our region, 173 are unique to us. They are a unique part of the region’s natural heritage. The CEBF is also an expression of who we are and how we connect with the environment. It brings people together. Learning about our birds takes place in a diverse, harmonious setting. In previous years, church services, radio and television interviews, street parades, fairs, information booths, drama and art competitions have all formed part of the CEBF celebrations.

Visit birdscaribbean.org or find BirdsCaribbean on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more information about the CEBF, to find events in your area, and see updates throughout the month. To learn more about the Endemic Animal Festival, visit http://www.lesfruitsdemer.com.

CUTLINE: All of the hummingbirds that live on St. Martin are species found only in the Caribbean.